2023-10-03 02:02 PM IST | Mumbai
Raids at different premises allegedly linked to NewsClick are underway at over 30 locations by Delhi Police. NewsClick journalists were seen with Delhi Police Special Cell officials. However, no arrest has been made as of now. Documents and electronics belonging to the persons associated with NewsClick were seized. Delhi High Court, on Aug 22, issued notice to NewsClick`s Editor-in-Chief Prabir Purkayastha on a plea filed by Delhi Police`s EOW. According to the FIR, a case was registered under UAPA and other IPC sections and an investigation was launched. During the probe, the sleuths gathered evidence indicating criminal acts. FIR states that accused persons, in conspiracy with their accomplices based abroad, devised a deceitful scheme to obtain, and receive funds. As per the same FIR, these funds were used to undertake activities as per instructions received from their foreign-based benefactors. Earlier, ED also moved the Delhi High Court against NewsClick and its editor-in-chief through a fresh application. ED’s application stated that it was a case of grave criminal conspiracy for paid news. Mumbai Police officials reached activist Teesta Setalvad`s residence in the same matter. Union I&B Minister Anurag Thakur reacted to the same and said, “search agencies are free to carry out investigations against wrongdoers”.
